The future of nursing for people with intellectual disability in forensic services: Implications for practice

[Extract] Concern for human rights in relation to the care of people with intellectual disability (ID) is not a new phenomenon. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) article 25, sets out the right to “enjoyment of the highest standards of health without discrimination on the basis of disability”. Yet little attention is paid either to health vulnerability or the impact restrictions have on people when they display challenging and offending behaviour. Legislation attempts to secure the rights of people with ID who have committed offences that would normally warrant time in a prison. Due to the vulnerable nature of these individuals, legislation aims to protect them from custodial institutions, and to provide rehabilitation rather than treatment. In general, nurses are expected to deliver such care yet many nurses have little or no experience of working with people with ID and offending behaviour.

International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

31

1447-0349

N/A

suppl.1

1